Was wondering if there are any current users of the newest EasyDCC products from CVP? Opinions? thanks!
Bump. No one using Easy DCC? Here is some older info: http://www.trainboard.com/cgi-bin/ultimatebb.cgi/ubb/get_topic/f/12/t/000310.html?#000000 [ September 19, 2005, 10:16 AM: Message edited by: sapacif ]
I know of 2 people using EasyDCC. I have tried it and don't really care for it. If you are looking for a top of the line system, look at NCE or Digitrax. I think you will be happier. David
I have operated using EasyDCC on two very large layouts. The number of throttles operated simultaneously, ranged anywhere from eight (8) to nineteen (19), both radio and tethered. I am a regular montlhly operator on one of the layouts for six (6) hr long Ops sessions. Both layouts have been up and operating for 1 year or longer. One layout is CTC-controlled while the other utilizes TT&TO control. The number of trains operated simultaneously, varied from eight (8) to twenty (20). Comments - I don't like EasyDCC. The system does not work well, even with a considerable amount of computer-expertise on the part of various operators who have participated in the Ops sessions. If more than ten (10) radio throttles are operated at one time, then the system immediately starts locking up. The tethered throttles ALWAYS experience a two (2) second delay between when commands are sent and when the command is acted upon. There are only a limited amount of function buttons available. The system is a polled system and not peer-to-peer. Also, one of the layout owner's is preparing to tear out EasyDCC (this is after he spent somewhere around $7K for his installation) and will be installing Digitrax. He is also talking about a class action suit against EasyDCC. So, you can take a chance with EasyDCC or you can just move on to either Digitrax or the new (and expensive) Lenz system. Digitrax is tried and true and has a fantastic support network with lots of fully compatible after-market add-ons, etc. Digitrax is also quite cost efficient and Digitrax is constantly working to make things better. My layout is Digitrax-equipped (after starting out with NCE and then changing to Digitrax) and has seven (7) power districts, fully occupancy detection and signalling (Digitrax systems) and when complete will be computer-dispatched (for regular trains running point-t-point) via TrainController software which receives input from and outputs to Digitrax hardware. Moral of the Story - I would not recommend EasyDCC to anyone. I recommend Digitrax to everyone. You might check Loy's Toys (absolutely the best DCC sales and service) or Tony's Train Exchange (second best DCC sales and service). You should also join the Digitrax yahoo group (really the best support group imaginable). The new Lenz system is supposed to be very good, but very expensive. Hope this helps. SPPalmdale - OS'ing trains at SP Mile Post 413.8
Eric: Excellent and well supported opinion, IMHO. Thanks for that. In the thread I mentioned above, it was stated that many people seem to use the same DCC system as other DCC users in their area. I think that is true in San Antonio, that is, many people use Easy-DCC around here. I think it is the most common system in the San Antonio area. (Isn't the Easy DCC manufacturer from south Texas somewhere?) Sorry, I can't comment on the capabilities or use of any of the systems as I am DC only. I am interested in learning a little about DCC as my HO club uses it...Easy-DCC, BTW. Again, Eric, that you for the opinion of someone who has used more than one system. It does seem that most model rrer's prefer Digitrax, although I am not sure that those opinions are always from multiple system users. It does say something when someone is dropping a 7000 US$ system. OTOH, if someone changes from Easy-DCC to, say, Digitrax, do they have to change the decoders in the engines? [edit] What is a polled system vs a peer-to-peer system? Eric, welcome to TB!! [ September 22, 2005, 01:19 PM: Message edited by: sapacif ]
That would ring true for over here. I now have a Lenz system as it's then compatible with a number of folk I know who also use Lenz, while i've only got one handset I can take it round to their place if we're running and need extra's. It's not too different price-wise over here (can't comment on how it compares with Digitrax in the US), and is available 'off the peg' in many local stores, which US brands like Digitrax are not usually (they do have an importer though). ZTC is also popular over here, but I don't personally like the style of the system. One chap from our group has just started using EasyDCC but I haven't heard much about it yet. No, the NMRA compliant stuff (like decoders) on the 'track' side of the control system should run with any NMRA compliant system.
